Pinnacles National Monument, home to the endangered California condor and a favorite spot for hikers and rock climbers near Soledad (Monterey County) and Hollister (San Benito County), moved closer to becoming the country's newest national park, with House approval Tuesday.

ACTUALLY, that dateline isn’t quite right. It shouldn’t be “on” the Pacific Crest Trail, because my daughter and I drifted off the trail. We ended up completely lost in a wilderness of snow, mountains and forests.

Most recently this talk has focused on two measures: a wilderness bill sponsored by Senators Bingaman and Udall (S1024), and a citizens' proposal that would establish the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument by presidential proclamation.